Who doesn’t love buttery-soft loungewear that feels like you’re wrapping yourself in a cloud? Whether you’re getting ready for bed or enjoying a cozy morning, nothing beats comfortable clothing.
When you’re shopping for new loungewear, it’s important to consider your options. While there are countless loungewear brands, your best bet is to compare two of the most popular ones: Softies vs Barefoot Dreams.
In this luxury loungewear comparison, we’re taking an honest side-by-side look at these beloved brands.
Meet the Two Brands
Before we talk about who has the softest loungewear, let’s start with an introduction to the brands.
About Softies
Founded in 2006, Softies is a sleepwear and loungewear brand with a family-run heritage. It all started when founder Dennis Murphy got the idea to create an ultra-soft, breathable fabric that would actually last. When his wife was diagnosed with leukemia, Dennis’ mission became one of bringing comfort to his loved ones.
Within a few years, Softies became a fast-growing company, designing all kinds of pajamas, robes and accessories for women. In 2023, the brand added men’s sleepwear and apparel to the collection.
For nine consecutive years, Softies has made it onto Oprah’s Favorite Things list, and it’s not hard to see why: Softness never goes out of style.
About Barefoot Dreams
Barefoot Dreams got its start in Malibu back in 1994, when founder Annette Cook started designing children’s products. Eventually, the same soft fabrics her kids adored found their way into robes, cardigans, throw blankets and other loungewear options.
The brand is probably most known for CozyChic, a super-soft, 100% polyester material found in many of their loungewear products. Barefoot Dreams has built a loyal celebrity following, with Oprah adding the brand to her Favorite Things list 11 times.
Softies vs Barefoot Dreams: How They Compare
So, both brands make loungewear, have a long family-first history and earned the Oprah seal of approval. But despite these similarities, Softies and Barefoot Dreams are far from the same.
Here’s how they stack up against each other in five key categories.
Softness & Feel
Both brands are prized for their softness. That should be no surprise since loungewear is meant to be cozy, after all. With that said, Softies and Barefoot Dreams approach comfort differently.
Softies relies on a handful of signature fabrics to bring buttery-soft luxury to customers. Some materials are light and airy, while others provide extra warmth on cool mornings. No matter the fabric, Softies products are soft and breathable, so they feel comfortable in any setting.
Barefoot Dreams, meanwhile, is famous for CozyChic. This 100% polyester knit fabric is soft and supple, providing hug-like warmth to the wearer. Think plush more than breathable.
Although there’s no “official” CozyChic alternative, brands like Softies offer a similar softness using other materials.
Quality & Durability
Softies and Barefoot Dreams are both well-known companies with long histories. There’s no denying that loungewear from either brand is top-quality.
Where the products start to differ is in longevity, which largely comes down to how they’re made.
Softies loungewear is made to stand the test of time. Products are designed to resist pilling, fading and shrinking, even after countless washes. This commitment to durable, high-quality loungewear for men and women is what sets Softies apart.
For Barefoot Dreams, the same CozyChic fabric that attracts loyal followers can also cause problems. The reality is that some plush loungewear can shed or pill over time, no matter how well it’s made. The more you wear and wash anything made with plush fabric, the more likely it is to degrade.
Care & Convenience
When it comes to product care, Softies and Barefoot Dreams suggest similar processes. Both brands recommend that you:
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Wash in a machine on cold
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Run a gentle cycle
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Use a mild detergent
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Avoid bleach
Both brands recommend drying on low heat. Barefoot Dreams also suggests air fluffing or laying flat to dry as gentler alternatives, while Softies keeps its guidance to a simple low-heat dry.
Price & Value
Softies and Barefoot Dreams are sold at a similar price point, with women’s robes costing around $125 to $150. Matching loungewear sets also have comparable price tags.
That means that, when you’re comparing Softies vs Barefoot Dreams, price isn’t a useful factor to consider. Instead, it’s all about value for money.
If both brands are priced about the same, the question becomes: What is the cost per wear? A product that lasts longer has a lower cost per wear, since you’ll get years and years of use out of it.
As noted above, Softies loungewear is designed with longevity in mind. That’s where the real value is.
Style & Versatility
Style is a personal decision. Some people prefer their loungewear in a neutral shade; others love a colorful pattern.
Softies and Barefoot Dreams both deliver on diversity of style. You can choose from a range of colors, patterns and cuts.
As for versatility, it’s hard to beat Softies. Every robe and matching set is meant for more than just bedtime. Many people wear their Softies loungewear to the neighborhood coffee shop or the grocery store.
Meanwhile, Barefoot Dreams’ loungewear is marketed more as pajamas, making them more suitable for staying home with the family.
In Summary: Quick Comparison Chart
|
Softness & Feel |
Quality & Durability |
Care & Convenience |
Price & Value |
Style & Versatility |
|
|
Softies |
Signature fabrics feel ultra-soft, buttery-smooth and breathable |
Designed for long-lasting wear without pilling, fading or shrinkage |
Machine-washable; dryer-friendly on low heat settings |
Moderately priced, with a low cost per wear due to durability |
Countless patterns and styles available; can be worn almost anywhere |
|
Barefoot Dreams |
Famous CozyChic fabric feels soft, plush and slightly heavier |
Plush knits like CozyChic can pill or shed over time with regular wear |
Machine-washable; low-heat drying, with air fluff or flat dry recommended as gentler options |
Moderately priced, with a medium cost per wear due to the risk of pilling |
Many patterns and styles available; intended for at-home wear |
Which Brand Is Right for You?
Still not sure which loungewear option you prefer? It’s a tough question. Brands like Barefoot Dreams and Softies both offer quality, comfort and style.
It all comes down to what you’re looking for:
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For everyday comfort – Softies' lightweight, breathable fabrics are easy to wear well beyond bedtime, from your morning coffee to your evening wind-down.
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For value seekers – At similar price points, either brand is a good buy. But in the long term, Softies offers more value for money thanks to a commitment to longevity.
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For gift buyers – If your loved one likes the idea of a product with a celebrity following, Barefoot Dreams is a terrific gift. However, Softies has also received recognition from Oprah, so it’s hard to go wrong.
Why Shoppers Love Softies
Softies is well-loved in the loungewear space for many reasons. With ultra-soft and functional fabrics, long-lasting quality and a family history, it’s no surprise that Softies takes the crown in this comparison.
To experience luxury loungewear for yourself, explore all loungewear, robes and other products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Softies a good alternative to Barefoot Dreams?
Softies is a fantastic Barefoot Dreams alternative. The brand offers buttery-soft, durable and versatile loungewear at similar price points.
Does Softies loungewear pill or shrink?
Softies products are designed to resist pilling, shrinking and fading, even after repeated washing.
Is Softies worth it?
If all the five-star reviews mean anything, the answer is yes! People love Softies for offering comfortable, stylish loungewear at accessible prices.
